The suspect who allegedly killed a woman on Grapevine Lake was captured crossing the southern border illegally but was released under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
Daikerlyn Alejandra Gonzalez allegedly struck and killed 18-year-old Ava Moore with a jet ski on May 25, as The Dallas Express previously reported. A man – now identified in a press release as Maikel Coello Perozo – helped her flee the scene.
Officials said in a press conference at the Grapevine Police Department on May 28 that both are illegal aliens from Venezuela.
“It’s my understanding both individuals crossed the southern border in 2023 or 2024,” said Josh Johnson, acting field director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Dallas. He said they were “arrested at the time of entry,” “processed,” and told to appear, then “released on their own recognizance.”
Paxton announced on May 27 that the suspects were illegal aliens “who should have never been in our country in the first place,” as The Dallas Express reported at the time. Police arrested Gonzalez and Perozo that same day in Dallas, according to Texas Game Warden Captain Joseph Quintero.
The victim, Moore, was kayaking on Grapevine Lake the evening of May 25 when Gonzalez allegedly struck and killed her with a jet ski, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The vehicle “had two females on board” and “was being driven at a high rate of speed near the shoreline of Oak Grove Park” in Grapevine, according to Quintero.
Grapevine Police and the Grapevine Fire Department responded, Quintero said. He called it a “horrific scene.”
“Ms. Moore was transported to the local hospital before she was pronounced deceased.”
The passenger of the jet ski stayed on shore with witnesses, according to Quintero. He said no charges were pending against the passenger at the time, but “not to say that there won’t be something in the future.”
Gonzalez and Perozo got in a vehicle and fled the scene, hitting two other vehicles in the process, according to Quintero. He said Grapevine Police are investigating the hit and run, and the Texas Game Wardens’ forensics team will be aiding the next phase of the investigation into Moore’s death.
“Thanks to the collaboration between our agencies, the dedication of our detectives day and night, and the critical tips from our public, both suspects are in custody and in our jail right now,” said Amanda McNew, media manager for Grapevine Police, at the conference.
Gonzalez was booked at the Grapevine Police Department on charges of manslaughter, a second-degree felony, according to Quintero. Perozo was charged with collision involving damage to a vehicle – a Class B misdemeanor, and hindering apprehension – a Class A misdemeanor. “As we continue to investigate this tragic incident, more charges could be filed,” he said
“We received more than 900 tips from the public, which helped us provide a quick resolution for the family,” according to Quintero. “We send our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time.”
Responding to a post on X about the suspects, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote, “Welcome to Texas. Here’s your Death Penalty.” The Dallas Express asked Quintero if officials might seek the death penalty.
Welcome to Texas.
Here’s your Death Penalty. https://t.co/Dlm0LvcA4q
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 28, 2025
“As of now, we have filed manslaughter charges,” Quintero replied. “All of that is left, obviously, for the courts to run through the system. But what we are looking at right now, what we have filed initially, are manslaughter charges.”
The Dallas Express asked Johnson if the suspects have ties to criminal organizations, but he said he did not have that information. The Dallas Express also asked Johnson if federal authorities would deport the suspects since they allegedly entered the country illegally.
“Both individuals will have to see an immigration judge who will decide whether they are removed back to Venezuela,” Johnson replied.
Moore graduated from Timber Creek High School in Fort Worth last year, where she was “an outstanding student and athlete,” as The Dallas Express previously reported. She had been studying at the Air Force Academy.
Makayla Moore, victim services advocate for Grapevine Police, spoke at the conference and delivered a statement on behalf of the victim’s family.
“This is a difficult time for all involved, but also an opportunity for our beautiful girl to continue to impact our community,” her family said, according to Moore. “Out of this tragedy, God will make good, and that only can be accomplished through forgiveness. We respectfully ask for our time and privacy to grieve and thank you for all of your kindness and support.”